Australian wool production is forecast to fall by 5.7 per cent for the 2018-19 season.
The fall reflects an expected reduction in both the number of sheep shorn and average wool cuts per head as a result of the dry seasonal conditions across most of the country.

Ongoing drought conditions have hit output and wool cuts. Drought conditions are affecting most Australian sheep growing regions. NSW is experiencing the highest levels of drought. NSW is the state with the largest wool producing capacity. Parts of neighboring Queensland are also suffering, along with regions in Victoria and South Australia which are also managing extreme dry weather.

Australia produces 90 per cent of the world’s apparel wool.

Adverse seasonal conditions in many sheep producing areas across Australia have resulted in a high turn-off of sheep and lambs. It will also mean lower average fleece weights in several states.

Conditions have worsened in many wool producing regions across Australia.

Wool production is expected to fall in all states, except Tasmania, with the largest reductions expected in NSW (down 8.9 per cent) and South Australia (down six per cent).

How the season progresses over the next couple of months will be very important for overall production levels this season.